Cole Knutson

Cole Knutson, 22 of Eau Claire, WI received his wings, March 31, 2017, in a tragic accident. He was born in Giessen, Germany to Brent Knutson and Patti Gilkes. That was the day it all started.

To those that knew him, their lives will never be the same. He always wanted to make you smile, and be your friend. The twinkle in his eye and his contagious laugh and smile could change the mood of a room in an instant.

At a young age Cole’s passion for the outdoors began, fishing and hunting were his life. He could fish all day, and never give up. His “one more cast dad.” Turned into another hour because he thought he felt a hit on the last one. When he was old enough to hunt he caught “buck fever” His favorite place to be was deer camp, the little camper in the woods in Fairchild, Wisconsin with his dad, brothers, and little sisters. In his words, “Dad this place is magical.” We would wake up opening morning to him singing at the top of his lungs, “Da Turdy Point Buck” and screaming, “Get out of bed we’ve got deer to shoot!” I think he laid there and watched the clock all night because he was too excited to sleep.

The Eau Claire kids will miss him this summer when it comes to ice cream. For the past couple of years he rode the Ice Cream Trike through the Eau Claire neighborhoods for 9 degree ice cream, he loved talking with his customers, who he became friends with.

Cole’s biggest hero in his life was his dad. He wanted to follow his two brothers, Brandon and Davin but he stayed home to be with his “old man”. He was always so proud of his brothers and loved to tell stories about them. His sisters were teased endlessly by him and recall many practical jokes Cole played on them. Cole liked to think of Danyelle as his “personal stylist.” He would pick up Morgan from school and take her for lunch. He would stop in and say hi or bring treats to Dacey and Natalie. He was so good to his little sisters. He had an old soul that will never be forgotten. He loved his mom Dawn with all his heart and her constant hugs and words of encouragement made him the man he was. She worried about him constantly but her love never faltered.

Cole is survived by his father, Brent and Dawn Knutson; mother, Patti and Bart Gilkes, siblings: Davin and Kristy Knutson, Brandon Knutson, Danyelle Moucha, Morgan Moucha, Dacey Knutson, and Natalie Knutson, nephew, Walker Harris; grandparents: Romaine and Diane Knutson, Joan and B.E. Milner, Jane Moucha and Bob Dutcher; two, four legged “kids”, Champ and Charlotte; aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

Cole is preceded in death by his grandfather, Art Moucha.

Celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017, at Stokes, Prock, and Mundt Funeral Chapel, Altoona at 7:00 P.M. with Pastor Greg Sima officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. until the time of service.

We will never forget you and always cherish your memories as your spirit will live forever in our hearts. We love you Coley Always!